noun

breeches

BREE-chihz

Breeches (noun) means Trousers that end at or just below the knee, historically menswear, now mostly seen in riding and formal military dress. Example: “The jockey wore tall boots and cream breeches.”

noun

Trousers that end at or just below the knee, historically menswear, now mostly seen in riding and formal military dress.

"The jockey wore tall boots and cream breeches."

"Old portraits often show gentlemen in knee-length breeches."

How to use breeches

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishOld-fashioned or specialist trousers that stop around the knee, still worn for horse riding and some ceremonial uniforms.

When to use it

Sounds dated or formal in everyday speech — most people just say "trousers" or "pants" today.

Common pairings

riding breeches knee breeches a pair of breeches

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The jockey wore tall boots and cream _____.

Etymology

From Old English brēċ, "leggings" or "underpants" — the same ancient root as "breech".

Origin: Old English

Frequently asked questions

What does “breeches” mean?

The word “breeches” means trousers that end at or just below the knee, historically menswear, now mostly seen in riding and formal military dress. In plain terms, old-fashioned or specialist trousers that stop around the knee, still worn for horse riding and some ceremonial uniforms.

How do you pronounce “breeches”?

“Breeches” is pronounced BREE-chihz (/ˈbɹiː.t͡ʃɪz/ in IPA).

How do you use “breeches” in a sentence?

Here is “breeches” used in a sentence: “The jockey wore tall boots and cream breeches.”

What part of speech is “breeches”?

“Breeches” is a noun.

Where does the word “breeches” come from?

The word “breeches” comes from Old English. From Old English brēċ, "leggings" or "underpants" — the same ancient root as "breech".